Almost every house constructed in the 1980s and 1990s has big, unsightly fluorescent light fixtures in the kitchen and bathrooms. They were efficient, but they were also harsh and unappealing. Bright, harsh medical lights put in your house are not pleasant. These fluorescent lighting boxes must be replaced, but what should they be replaced with?
This post will go through the many ideas for replacing fluorescent lighting boxes. This will assist to make your lovely house seem more welcome. No more harsh lighting or very bright lighting where it is not required.
Taking Down the Fluorescent Lighting Boxes
Newer forms of lighting, such as recessed, track, surface, and pendant lighting, are available in today’s houses. Draped lighting is also common. You can even make a contemporary chandelier. There are several alternatives to fluorescent lightboxes. However, you must first remove the old fixture.
Because fluorescent lighting boxes come in a variety of forms and sizes, removing them can be a difficult process. If you have a tiny recessed fixture, just remove it and replace it.
However, always remember to switch off the electricity at the breaker box before working on any type of electrical device or fixture. After that, use your voltage tester to ensure that there is no power flowing through the cables.
Collect the Required Tools for the Job
Before you begin, make sure you have all of the necessary tools. The tools you’ll need will depend on your fixture and your intention. However, the following are the most often used equipment for changing fluorescent lighting boxes.
– Drilling bit
– Electrical tape
– Wood filler or putty
– Tape ruler
– A level, needle nose pliers, and screwdrivers
– A stairwell
– Paint
– Knife
– Hammer
– Voltage tester
By ensuring that you have the necessary equipment, you may avoid the time it would take to gather these tools. It will also prevent you from attempting to utilize the incorrect tools for the job. This will very certainly damage the fixture, costing you extra money.
*** See more: Top 9 Expert Picks Best Ceiling Lights For Bedroom
Getting rid of everything
It is quite straightforward if you have a T-bar fluorescent lighting unit. All you have to do is unscrew the bars from one another and then from the ceiling. Once that’s done, you may start working on the lighting.
The fluorescent light fittings should be simple to remove. Most of the time, it is simply a question of unscrewing some screws and pulling them away from the ceiling. You may need a little more muscle if it has multiple layers of paint or putty on it.
Once things are gone, you may begin installing your new lighting. The type of lighting you employ is determined by what you have left to work with. It is also dependent on the sort of lighting you intend to install.
Lighting Design Styles
There are three sorts of lighting styles, which are as follows:
– Cabinet lights, under-toe kick lights, and other locations where you may add that little accent light are examples of accent lighting.
– The primary source of light in the space is ambient lighting. This light should be centered in the center of the room to provide an equal cast all around. Recessed pendant and chandelier lights are the finest options.
– Task lights are direct focus lights that are used in situations where you need to see things clearly. This might include cooking, performing chores, or reading recipes. Can lights and track lights are the greatest options in this situation.
Ideas for replacing fluorescent lighting boxes
You can refer to some decoration ideas below:
#1. Lighting in Recessed Areas
Recessed lighting is an excellent choice for illuminating a space above the sink or counter. These lights, also known as can lights, are designed to slot into the ceiling and focus the beam on a specific region. They can, however, be utilized for ambient lighting. They come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and styles.
You may also select your preferred baffles and trim. In reality, dimmer switches can be used. Of course, you’ll have to make a decision based on what your former light fixture left you with. However, because can lights are tiny, you may add numerous to any location that previously had a fluorescent lighting box.
#2. Fixture for Track Lighting
Track lighting is also ideal for task illumination. And, because your fluorescent lighting box most likely left you with a good rectangular area, it is ideal. You may select from a variety of track types, colors, and sizes, as well as housing options. They are, however, generally four to eight feet long.
Holding the track in place as a template, measure and mark the locations for the screws. You may also create your own template out of paper or cardboard. Some tracking has its own template, which is quite useful. Before you begin hanging the track, note the locations for the screws.
After installing the track, insert the floating feed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Attach the housing for each light to the track, and you’re good to go. When fastening the wiring for the light fixture, use electrical tape and wire covers.
#3. Lighting for Pendants
A pendant light is a more ornamental and central lighting fixture. They are not only available in thousands of designs, colors, and sizes, but they are also simple to install. They are just surface lights that dangle down to provide additional lighting. These are particularly suitable for spaces with high ceilings.
Simply attach a mounting bracket, connect the wires (using wire caps), and fasten the cover to the bracket to complete the installation. Tighten the screws until the cover is level with the ceiling. Then, before screwing in the bulb, hang the shade on the shade mount.
*** See more: Choosing And Buying Lights With The Best Lighting For Low Sloped Ceiling
#4. Chandelier
Try a chandelier if you want to make a statement. The contemporary ones are far more adaptable than the old-fashioned ones seen in movies. Check the weight restriction of your mount to avoid purchasing one that is excessively hefty.
Depending on how intricate the chandelier is, constructing it may be the most time-consuming element of this operation. Some are already assembled in the package, and all you need to do is hang them. Those are fantastic. Before you buy, read the fine print so you know what you’re getting into.
Take the length of the chain from which your chandelier will dangle. You don’t want it hanging too low. Most chandeliers look best when suspended three feet above a kitchen table or island. Hang it around five feet above the kitchen table or island if you have high ceilings.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions for attaching the chandelier to the electrical box. Then simply connect the wiring (with wire covers) and place it in the electrical box before hanging. Cover the box with a beautiful plate or cover and fill it with bulbs.
Important: Make certain that the bulbs you use in any light fixture have the correct wattage as specified by the manufacturer.
#4. Art Box with Illumination
A one of a kind and lovely option for a space in need of little TLC. An illuminated art box may bring a touch of whimsy to your decor while also filling the space left by the fluorescent lighting fixture. Simply purchase or construct an open box to fit the area you wish to cover.
Replace the fluorescent bulbs with surface lights that are securely fastened to the ceiling. Check that they are light enough to illuminate the artwork you intend to hang. Track lighting is also an excellent option in this situation.
Cut a piece of acrylic to fit the top of the box and screw it on. Then, using L-brackets, secure the box to the ceiling. Keep the brackets on the inside of the box so they don’t show.
To decorate, you may use any form of art, such as photographs, parchment, or even stained glass. Attach it to a panel on the box’s open side. The lights will highlight the artwork and create an eye-catching show in any environment.
***Refer to more: Smart lighting ideas for rooms without ceiling lights in 2022
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do you conceal fluorescent lighting?
You may conceal fluorescent lights by covering them with different colored textiles. This is the most affordable choice, and it lets you choose the color and pattern that best suits your taste. You may also rapidly alter it by just changing the material.
Can track lighting be used in place of a fluorescent light?
The track wire can be connected to the same wiring as the fluorescent lighting box. Because there is no need to modify the wiring, replacing the fluorescent light with a track light is a simple task. The best feature is that the track lighting connects at a single place, so you don’t have to connect each and every light.
What is it about fluorescent lighting that makes me feel strange?
Fluorescent lights, due to their high flicker rate, can cause dizziness and make you feel ill. The flashing is undetectable, but the brain detects it, resulting in a cascade of neurological activity.
Conclusion
We hope this post has been helpful to you about ideas for replacing fluorescent lighting boxes. Whatever sort of lighting you pick, it will undoubtedly be an upgrade. Fluorescent lighting boxes are just out of date, and there are so many current alternatives to consider. When fluorescent lighting boxes are replaced, everything becomes more convenient and modern; you may drape some cloth over the light to decorate your space anyway you like.
If you have any further questions, please leave them in the comments area below. We will get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you for taking the time to read this.
